Spring is here at last.  The sun is out, the rivers are flowing and the temperature is on the rise!  Our 2009 paddling season has begun.  Check out our schedule.  It’s jam packed!

As the season progresses, make sure you check out the website for any changes on the schedule.  If you know of a short section of a river but don’t want to lead it, call Paul Kostiuk who’ll take care of coordinating all the details. This year we are repeating the 2002 Grand River End- to-End Challenge but giving it a twist and calling it the Grand River End-to-End Navigation or G.R.E.E.N. (Green events are listed on the Events Calendar page).  Paddles will start in April on Sundays.  We need to get the paddles in at the headwaters before the water levels drop.  At the end of the season, a certificate will be presented to those of you who’ve gone the distance. If you are new or need a refresher, we are offering courses for Flat and Moving water, Solo and Whitewater.  Michel Lessard will be our instructor who will challenge you to increase those skills. Thank you to the many folks who completed our club survey.  Based on your feedback, we’re making some changes.  These include: A section in the newsletter where you can find rentals boats Paddlers Pool - a listing of club members who paddle on weekends. You can connect with these folks in case you’ve got some extra time Weekend paddles will include a social activity afterwards The Season Opener will now be a club event A reminder email for the upcoming week’s paddle There are lots of opportunities to get out and paddle.  Spend some time on the rivers this summer, have some fun, have a few laughs and enjoy the good times with friends.

Barb Davenport, WWCC President

American Canoe Association, Pamela S. Dillion, Jeremy Oyen Copyright 2008 ISBN: 0736067159 ISBN13: 9780736067157 264pp Full colour

In Canoeing, the expert instructors from the American Canoe Association provide you with
• indispensable advice on gear and equipment selection, food and nutrition, fitness, water trail etiquette, and safety and survival skills;
• step-by-step instruction of fundamental paddling skills and techniques;
• informative consumer, technique, and safety tips; and
• Web-based resources to help you plan trips in the United States and throughout the world.

The authors share all of the background information you’ll need to get started, beginning with descriptions of the various types of canoeing being practiced today to help you determine the type of paddling that suits your needs. They discuss fitness basics, food and nutrition needs, and gear and equipment—from the canoe itself to life jackets, paddles, and clothing. They then cover important safety and survival guidelines, including weather, river hazards, capsizing, cold-water safety, and rescue protocols.

Canoeing will teach you fundamental paddling skills and techniques and help you build on those skills to learn more complicated compound strokes and manoeuvres. Now you’re ready for your first adventure. Starting with easy river trips, you move on to more challenging waterways, overnight and extended trips, and canoeing adventures for groups and families—even with dogs!

The book also includes the Quickstart Your Canoe DVD. This instructional DVD guides you through an introduction to paddle sports and basic safety and paddling techniques so you can enjoy a safe boating experience. It contains videos of the essential skills and techniques of canoeing, making it easier than ever to learn the basics.

Water Levels (scitech.pyr.ec.gc.ca/waterweb/disclaimerB.asp) The near real-time water level information presented on this website is received via satellite or land-line transmissions from hydrometric gauging stations owned by Environment Canada and its Partners. The water level data are normally posted (in graphical form) within four hours of observation.

Dusty’s All Purpose Knots (http://media.putfile.com/Dustys-all-purpose-knots This is a video presentation of two all purpose knots great for the outdoors. Very cool!!

Canoe Ontario.Net
http://canoeontario.net/
Ontario Canoeing Information i.e. Equipment, Food Preparation, Meals & Recipes, Gear Checklist, Ontario Provincial Parks, Regional Canoeing Associations.

Solo Tripping The solo trippers online community.

http://www.solotripping.com
An excellent resource that includes topics such as: Skills, Gear, Safety, Gear Reviews,  Routes, Forums, Videos etc.

Leave No Trace
http://www.lnt.org/
The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics is an educational, nonprofit organization dedicated to the responsible enjoyment and active stewardship of the outdoors by all people, worldwide. Topics listed in the website include: Plan Ahead and Prepare, Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces, Dispose of Waste Properly, Leave What You Find, Minimize Campfire Impacts, Respect Wildlife, Be Considerate of Other Visitors.

Trash and Conservation during Club Events   Please assist us by practicing no-trace use of the facilities. We wish to minimize the use of throw-away plastics at refreshment breaks and meals. That’s why we’re requesting you bring your own cups, plates and utensils to the member meetings.

In an attempt to increase the membership we are seeking new ideas, thoughts or suggestions from our members.We would like to tap into areas of interest for all our members. Would you like to see improvements in the newsletter, types of trips, speakers etc.? Don’t be shy or think that there may not be enough interest in an activity as we have many members that may have similar interests. Please contact any of the executive members in person, email or phone.

GSI Glacier Stainless Radiant Toaster

Weight: 165g
Cost: $8.00 approx

This handheld, radiant-heat toaster ensures you will never have to endure a toastless trip again.

• Made of stainless steel.
• Folding handle takes up less space.
• Fine mesh distributes heat and secures toast.

Tue
June 16

GREEN #5 – Fergus to Elora
Warren Brandes 519-993-9603 or warrenbrandes@yahoo.ca

Sat and Sun
Jun 20-21

White water Canoeing Course, Saugeen River Walkerton (starts at 9:00 am), Instructor is Michel Lessard. Participants are expected to know their moving water strokes and manoeuvres prior to this event. Contact Warren Brandes 519-993-9603 or warrenbrandes@yahoo.ca

Tue
June 23

Eramosa River – Everton (no shuttle needed)
Bill Mungall 519-836-5567 or wmungall0809@rogers.com

Saturday
June 27

Upper Saugeen River (Mulock Rd to Hanover): Class 1-2 Tight sweepers and great swimming holes. Peter Hafemann 519-656-3456 bluewater@kw.igs.net

Sun
June 28

GREEN #12 – Brantford to Oxbow
Barb Davenport 519-743-3989 or macport@golden.net

Tue
June 30

Tuesday Paddle
TBA

Tue
July 7

GREEN #8 – Victoria St. to Freeport
Paul Kostiuk 519-579-3564 or pkostiuk@gmail.com

Sat. or Sun
July 11 OR 12

Lower Saugeen River (Walkerton to 2nd bridge): Class 1-2 Some rapids, great swimming and scenery. Peter Hafemann 519-656-3456 bluewater@kw.igs.net

Mon
July 13

Solo Course Grand River, Cambridge (starts at 5:30 pm)
Paul Kostiuk 519-579-3564 or pkostiuk@gmail.com

Tue
July 14

Tuesday Paddle
TBA

Sat & Sun
July 18 & 19

GREEN #15 – Cayuga to Byng Island CA (overnight)  then
Sunday - Byng Island CA to Port Maitland. Warren Brandes 519-993-9603 or warrenbrandes@yahoo.ca

Tue
July 21

GREEN #10A – GTO (Cambridge) to Glen Morris
TBA

Sat. or Sun
July 25 OR 26

North Saugeen (McCullough Lake to County Rd 3): Class 1 The prettiest little river in SW Ontario! Peter Hafemann 519-656-3456 bluewater@kw.igs.net

Tue
July 28

GREEN #10B – Glen Morris to Paris
TBA

Mon. to Sun.
Aug. 3 to 9

Georgian Bay (Bayfield Inlet to McCoy Islands to Snug Harbour): leisurely but exposed lake travel camping trip; could be wind-stayed for short periods. Fabulous scenery in the 30,000 Islands. Peter Hafemann 519-656-3456 bluewater@kw.igs.net

Tue
Aug 4

Tuesday Paddle
TBA

Sat to Sun
Aug 8 to 16

Campout at Elliot Lake
Hugh Carey 519-595-3989 or chicopeesnowshoe@yahoo.com

Sun
Aug 9

GREEN #11 – Paris to Brantford
Paul Kostiuk 519-579-3564 or pkostiuk@gmail.com

Tue
Aug 11

GREEN #9A – Freeport to Blair
TBA

Tue
Aug 18

GREEN #9B – Blair to GTO (Cambridge)
Paul Kostiuk 519-579-3564 or pkostiuk@gmail.com

Tue
Aug 25

Tuesday Paddle
TBA

Sun
Sep 6

GREEN #13 – Oxbow to La Fortune CA
Paul Kostiuk 519-579-3564 or pkostiuk@gmail.com

Sun
Sep 13

GREEN #14 –La Fortune CA to Cayuga
TBA

Sat
Sep 19

Speed River Cleanup, Guelph
Warren Brandes 519-993-9603 or warrenbrandes@yahoo.ca

Fri to Sun
Sep 25 to 27

Bondi Weekend
Bev Owers 519-746-1446 or bevo@fredricktravelwaterloo.com

CLASS IV: ADVANCED
Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water. Depending on the character of the river, it may feature large, unavoidable waves and holes or constricted passages demanding fast manoeuvres under pressure. A fast, reliable eddy turn may be needed to initiate manoeuvres, scout rapids, or rest. Rapids may require "must" moves above dangerous hazards. Scouting is necessary the first time down. Risk of injury to swimmers is moderate to high, and water conditions may make self-rescue difficult. Group assistance for rescue is often essential but requires practiced skills. A strong roll is highly recommended.

CLASS V: EXPERT
Extremely long, obstructed, or very violent rapids which expose a paddler to above average endangerment. Drops may contain large, unavoidable waves and holes or steep, congested chutes with complex, demanding routes. Rapids may continue for long distances between pools, demanding a high level of fitness. What eddies exist may be small, turbulent, or difficult to reach. At the high end of the scale, several of these factors may be combined. Scouting is mandatory but often difficult even for experts. A very reliable roll, proper equipment, extensive experience, and practiced rescue skills are essential for survival.

CLASSVI: EXTREME
One grade more difficult than Class V. These runs often exemplify the extremes of difficulty, unpredictably, and danger. The consequences of errors are very severe and rescue may be impossible. For teams of experts only, at favourable water levels, after close personal inspection and taking all precautions. This class does not represent drops thought to be unrunable, but may include rapids which are only occasionally run.

The 2009 Great Ontario Adventure of a Lifetime Contest is now open. This August, you and three of your friends could be spending seven days exploring Lake Superior’s North Shore.

Imagine the excitement of flying, paddling and travelling by train through Algoma Country while capturing its stunning landscape and incredible wildlife with your new Nikon camera.

Enter today for your chance to WIN this all-inclusive, fully guided prize package valued at over $20,000!
http://www.ontariooutdoor.com

The River Otter
The playful North American river otter is equally at home in the water and on land.

Thick, compact fur helps keep the river otter insulated as it swims in even very cold water. Long guard hairs protect the underfur, which traps air, keeping the otter’s skin dry.

River otters live in burrows along riverbanks. They usually take over abandoned dens made by other animals such as beavers. Otters sometimes use a den nestled under rocky ledges. Did you know - that river otters spend half of their lives sleeping? That can mean ten years of snoozing for many otters!

In water, otters are limited to speeds of around six miles per hour, but they can dive to depths of 60 feet and stay submerged for more than four minutes. On land, river otters scoot along at about fifteen miles per hour in a combination of running and sliding. That could wear anyone out.

A river otter’s tail is about one-third the animal’s total length, from 30-40 percent.

Female river otters give birth in the spring. Babies are born blind and stay in the den until they are about one month old. When they are several weeks old their mother coaxes them into the water and they learn to swim.

Baby otters nurse until they are about four months old and stay with their mothers for a year or so before they are ready to live on their own.

The scientific name for the North American river otter is Lutra Canadensis

The main threats to river otters are water pollution and habitat destruction.

Generally active at night, river otters often sun themselves on rocks or riverbanks during the day.

River otters communicate with a variety of squeals, chirps, chatters, chuckles, screams, and warning growls.

Although their vision is not especially good, river otters have well-developed senses of smell and hearing. They also use their whiskers to detect prey when hunting and obstructions when swimming. And speaking of smell, the animals can discharge a strong, disagreeable scent from a pair of anal glands when threatened or disturbed. So, let those sleeping river otter’s lie!

You know you're a paddler when...

• You watch the weather and think "heavy rain" is a "good" weather forecast.
• You can't drive over a river without looking up stream longing to be out there.
• Whenever you give directions you include phrases like "cross over the X river" but you can't remember the road names, "there is a pond on your left…" or "the road follows the river" etc.
• You avoid buying a car that just doesn't look right with a boat on top (a sports car, luxury car), or one that can't hold a car-top-carrier (convertible, tee top).
• When your basement smells like a combination of old polypro and stale river water.
• You are familiar with every navigable river, stream, creek, pond, and lake within 30 kms of home, and know of the best within 120 kms.
• Your significant other is someone you met on the river.
• Your buddies ogle the gal (guy) in the next car, and you ogle her (his) boat.
• You choose a home based on its proximity to a river.
• When your boat is the current love of your life.
• When the folks at the local outfitters shop know you by name. (a.k.a. the "Cheers" effect).
• Your Sunday drives in the country with your family or significant other often includes detours to drive by a river or to an outfitter's shop.
• There is no room in your garage for your car because your boat(s) take up too much room.
• New paddling equipment takes priority over stocking the pantry.

• You actually don't mind the smell of old polypro.
• You have a canoe/kayak rider on your homeowner's insurance.
• You tell your significant other with a straight face that the garbage is too heavy, and then hoist a 50lb boat as if it weighed nothing.
• If you spend more time maintaining your boat(s) than you do for your car.
• You appear at a dentist's appointment in your wetsuit because there was simply no time to change.
• There are more ORCA, YAKIMA, THULE, KOKATAT, DAGGER, MAD RIVER, PERCEPTION, SWIFT, NOVACRAFT etc. stickers on your car than visible paint.
• If it's not water & wind proof, it "ain't worth wearin".
• Your boat cost more than your car.
• After hauling you from the water, the first thing you ask the rescue crew is "how's my boat?"
• You call work to tell them your sick and then go paddling.

Paddlers Pool

If you are interested in paddling, and are looking for a paddling partner, with or without a boat, sign yourself up in our " Paddlers Pool ". This way our members can contact each other.  A great way to get to know each other and enjoy a great paddle."
Contact one of the Executive members to have your contact info posted on the website.I paddle most weekends somewhere when the water is not frozen or too high
Tom Harman – 519-246-1861                               
Email: tom.harman@sympatico.ca.
If you would like to join us please call or email.

Fruit Cobbler

The Fruit

• 1 cup dried fruits (apple, apricots, blueberries, cranberries, peaches, etc)
• raisins and nuts (if you want)
• 1 Teaspoon brown sugar
• dash of cinnamon
• dash of nutmeg (if you want)
• 1 1/2 cup water

The Topping

• 1/2 C quick cooking oatmeal
• 2 Tbsp brown sugar
• dash of cinnamon
• 4 Tbsp ghee or margarine (oil doesn't work that well).

Add all of the fruit in a pot and simmer for around 10 minutes.
Mix all of the toppings together in a bowl. Don't overdo it.
Making sure you have a couple of inches of water left in the fruit pot, spoon the topping over the fruit.

Cook for around 10 minutes or until the top looks brown and cooked. You may need to add water occasionally.

A nice variation is to use pancake mix made to a dumpling consistency in lieu of the oatmeal topping.

Adventure Guide
382 King Street North at Columbia
Waterloo, Ontario N2J 2Z3 Ph: 519-886-3121

Beach Marine
1127 Beach Blvd Hamilton, Ontario L8H 6Z9               
1-877-727-9053. Offering Sales and Rentals of Canoes, Kayaks and Pedal Boats in Hamilton since 1975.

Brant Conservation Area, Brantford
Phone: 519-752-2040

Canoeing the Grand
3734 King Street East, Kitchener, Ontario
ph:(877) 896-0290 Rental of canoes and kayaks and shuttle service for outdoor paddling and trips on the Grand River and, South-western Ontario. Can rent without shuttle service.

Grand Experiences Canoe and Kayak Outfitters
Paris Ontario Ph:1-888-258-0441 Offers adventure packages on the Grand River, the Nith River, Big Creek, and Long Point Bay. Grand Experiences specializes in near wilderness trips and outdoor lessons with some of Ontario’s most experienced instructors and guides.

Heritage River Canoe & Kayak Company
73 Oakhill Drive, Brantford, Ontario
ph:1.800.350.2268
Canoe and Kayak rentals and trips include shuttle service from Heritage River Canoe & Kayak Company to your drop off point and transportation back afterwards. Can rent without shuttle service.

Speed River Paddling: Kayak & Canoe Rentals  116 Gordon Street, Guelph, Ontario. 10km return trip on peaceful, sheltered Eramosa River. Open 10-dusk, Tuesday-Sunday, May 20 thru Labour Day, weather permitting. Have 12 canoes and 7 kayaks available at very reasonable prices with half day and full day rates as well.  Prices are all inclusive with required equipment. 

Thorncrest Outfitters
Southampton and Paisley, Ontario
Ph: 1-888-34KAYAK (52925)
Your outdoor adventure centre for canoe, kayak, bicycle, hiking, birding and winter pursuits. Offers complete canoe and kayak trips on the Saugeen and Rankin Rivers, as well as open water paddling on Georgian Bay and Lake Huron. Their stores stock quality outdoor clothing and all of the gear you will need for your adventure.

Ontario Bluewater Visitor Guide features the services, attractions and events along the shoreline communities of Pelee Island, Lake Erie, Lake St. Clair, Lake Huron, Manitoulin Island and Georgian Bay. Points of interest maps and ferry schedules are included. FREE copies are available at Ontario Travel Centres, tourist information outlets and CAA Travel Stores.
For travel referrals, please contact: Peter Hafemann
1670 Hutchison Rd., Wellesley, ON N0B 2T0
519-656-3456
e-mail: bluewater@kw.igs.net

Cedar Grove Cottages & Boats
Canoe & kayak rentals and shuttles to Bruce Peninsula National Park.
Cameron Lake Rd., Tobermory 519-596-2267
www.cedargrovecottages.com

French River Supply Post & Marina
Canoe Rentals & supplies. Closest access and authorized permit issuer for French River Waterway.
North of French River bridge off Hwy. 69
705-857-2128

Pelee Wings Nature Store
Canoe & kayak rentals, sales & paddling gear. Birding supplies and best selection of binoculars & scopes in Canada.
636 Point Pelee Dr., Leamington, 2 km. from National Park. 519-326-5193  www.peleewings.ca

Suntrail Source for Adventure
Complete outdoor equipment sales, canoe & kayak rentals and guided kayak trips. Open Tues.- Sunday.
Hwy. 6, Hepworth
1-877-882-2958 
www.suntrail.net

Paddle sports repairs by Jamie Dors
http://www.paddlesportsrepairs.com/
Specializing in a wide range of cost effective quality repairs and modifications to boats, paddles, apparel and gear used on both flat water and whitewater. Canoe restoration, paddle repairs, canoe hull weld, bulkhead outfitting
7515 Wellington Road 36 Morriston, Ontario N0B 2C0
Phone: 519-836-5920
E-mail: info@paddlesportsrepairs.com

Canoe Instructions Adventures

Michel Lessard

Flat water, Moving Water, Tripping

Outdoor Activities Instruction
Climbing (indoor and outdoor)
Cycling (on & off road)
Skiing (alpine & cross country)
Group and Individual Rates
157 MacAtee Place,
Cambridge, Ontario
N1R 7G5

CANOEING THE ”Dumoine River” with Michel Lessard
The Dumoine is considered an intermediate river with class1 - 3 rapids. This river plunges some 500 ft down the rocky granite towards the Ottawa River. The Dumoine River traces a pattern of falls and exciting rapids intercepted by lakes and pine-covered hill. Throughout this trip canoeists can spot various wild life.

DATE: July 5 to July 11, 2009

REQUIREMENTS:
Moving water knowledge - Instruction provided. Participants under 16 yrs of age must be with an adult.

REGISTRATION: Before June 8, 2009 Based on first come.
There are 2 canoes already registered from the club.
For details contact Tom Harman
519-246-1861
tom.harman@sympatico.ca  or
Michel Lessard         
519-621-5649
wekano@gmail.com

Looking for used Canoes/Kayaks?

Hard to find at times but try these resources:

• www.Paddling.net - classifieds
• www.MEC.ca - Online Gear Swap
• www.KiJiJi.ca - free local classifieds
• www.kitchenerpennysaver.com
• Local newspapers
• www.Myccr.com - Buy, Sell and Trade;
• Wilderness Canoe Association www.wildernesscanoe.ca
• www.boatwerks.ca
• Novacraft in London sells rentals and blems

Looking for Paddling Gear?

Adventure Attic 1056 King Street West Hamilton, Ontario
1-877-801-6479.
Top quality products, sound advice, and
a shared passion for the outdoors. 
Adventure Guide - 382 King Street North at Columbia
Waterloo, Ontario N2J 2Z3 Phone: 519-886-3121 
Bass Pro Shops - The new superstore north of Toronto is a must see.  Some canoes & tons of gear
1 Bass Pro Mills Drive, Vaughan, ONT L4K 5W4    
Phone: 905-761-4000
Canadian Outdoor Equipment Co.
199 Lakeshore Rd., E Mississauga
Phone: 905-990-1750  www.canadianoutdoorequipment.com
Hikers Haven / Europe Bound - Lots of high quality paddling gear here.  Great selection of maps & a Langford Canoe store inside. Cool!
Europe Bound 416-205-9992
383 King Street West, Toronto, ON M5V1K1 and
Europe Bound – Hikers Haven
905-849-8928     
166 South Service Road East,
Oakville, ON L6J 2X5.
Le Baron Outdoor Products - Good selection of Canadian made products, tents & packs.  1590 Dundas Street East, Mississauga, ON L4X 1L4, Canada.     
Phone: 905-273-6434 
London’s Paddle Shop (Novacraft Canoe) London’s Paddle Shop functions as the factory outlet for Nova Craft Canoe and Aqua Fusion Kayak. We aim to carry gear that people living in Southwestern Ontario are looking for, that means primarily recreational paddling gear and tripping gear.  But rest assured, if you need something that we do not normally carry, we will do our best to get it for you.
471 Nightingale Ave London, ON N5W 4C4.
Phone: 519-455-6252
MEC - Mountain Equipment Co-Op - A Canadian standard.  High quality gear & great selection.  2 Ontario locations
Toronto - 400 King Street West Tel: 416-340-2667;
Burlington - 1030 Brant Street       Phone: 905.333.8559 
Natural Sports - Good shop, good people to deal with.  Located in Kitchener
1572 Victoria St N Kitchener, ON CANADA   N2B 3E5.
Phone: 519-749-1620
Toll Free: 1-888-MAX-FISH